Recycled materials and D.I.Y bring economies of style to this eco- friendly garden. 
Trevor Thomas is a retired graphic designer/copywriter who lives in Stone, Staffordshire. Like many retired pensioners he is fit and has all the time in the world, which he has put to good use with seven weeks of hard graft in this simple but effective transformation of his small town garden.
The previous layout consisted of a tired uneven patio with a path to the left under the bay window.
These are the slabs which, when overturned reveal a subtle terracotta underside which when re-laid with half inch spacing, adds a linear effect and a perspective which also adds an illusion of width and length to what is, a small garden.
To add interest to what are bog standard slabs, levels, steps and areas for pots are included to add variety and colour.
A stone ring provides a sitting out area for the afternoon Sun Downer.
Further paving has been added to provide dry access to all areas of the garden including the drying line.
The patio was laid using the cheapest slabs possible, which when overturned matched the older slabs. Their rough surface deters the snails and slugs from the lawn and borders. The wood purchased to frame the footings for the patio is now a sturdy side entrance door to keep out the keen winds from the “Cheshire Gap”
In all, the total purchases included:
New slabs,
Limestone, sand and cement for the footings, rendering and pointing,
Timber,
Stone Circle
…and the total cost: £395.07.
by Trevor Thomas.
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